Matilija Poppy

Romneya coulteri

This big perennial makes a big impact with its lovely gray-green foliage and big, 5-inch-wide fragrant flowers with a sunny yellow center.

Matilija poppy can be a fast spreader and is deer and rabbit resistant, so it's a good choice for slopes and other open areas where it can grow to its heart's content. It's not a good pick for small spots, however, and doesn't typically thrive in container gardens. Grow it in full sun and well-drained soil. Matilija poppy is native to areas of the American Southwest.

how to grow Matilija poppy

Propagation

garden plans for Matilija poppy

plant Matilija poppy with

If you like iris, here's a different type to try: peacock flower. It's not a true iris, but produces lovely, delicate flowers that strongly resemble one.Peacock lily is grown in a manner similar to iris, though this plants is winter-hardy only in the southernmost parts of the country, Zones 8-11. It bears irislike flowers on perennial flowering stems that reach 4 feet tall.

Known as a symbol of remembrance and friendship, rosemary fills a garden with aroma, flavor, and activity -- busily pollinating bees love the blooms. This herb comes in various forms, from stiff and upright, ideal for a hedge planting, to mounded and spreading, perfect for scrambling along a slope or wall. The secret to beautiful rosemary is to give plants a hot, dry footing. Grow plants in well-drained soil or a raised bed and surround them gravel mulch for best results. Rosemary thrives in containers, too.In coldest zones, overwinter rosemary in an unheated room with a fan. Protect overwintering plants from extreme humidity. Too low humidity can cause plants to drop leaves; too high can favor powdery mildew.

Make a bold statement in your garden with kangaroo paw. This unusual perennial comes from Australia and bears strappy green leaves and upright spikes of fuzzy flowers in radioactively brilliant colors. The blooms last a long time and make great cut flowers.